Kindergarten - Level K-1
Lesson 3: Tensed & Aspirated Consonants
Adding Power and Air
You've mastered the basic consonants! Now, let's learn their powerful cousins. Korean has two more sets of consonants that are based on the ones you already know:
- Tensed (or "Double") Consonants: Made with a tighter throat, no air, and a stronger sound.
- Aspirated Consonants: Made with a strong puff of air, like a little explosion from your mouth.
Tensed Consonants (쌍자음)
These are easy to spot—they're just doubled-up versions of basic consonants. Think "strong" and "sharp."
(like in sky)
(like in stop)
(like in spy)
(like in sea)
(no perfect match)
Aspirated Consonants (거센소리)
These consonants are made with a puff of air. Hold your hand in front of your mouth—you should feel the air hit it!
(like key)
(like top)
(like pie)
(like chair)
Hear the Difference!
Understanding the difference between plain, tensed, and aspirated consonants is a huge step toward good pronunciation.
Compare these sounds: ㄱ (g/k) vs. ㄲ (kk) vs. ㅋ (k). They may seem similar at first, but with practice, you'll hear and produce the distinct sounds that make Korean so expressive.
Try reading these words aloud: 코 (ko - nose), 토끼 (tokki - rabbit), 아빠 (appa - dad), 차 (cha - car/tea).